Wesolek family meets the challenge of multiple sclerosis in their lives by investing in research

Although there is currently no cure for MS, research has helped physicians and scientists develop therapies and treatments that have improved the long-term prognosis for many patients. Those stories of hope offer encouragement, says Lisa Wesolek, who works in financial services at Diamond Hill Capital Management in Columbus.

"It's incredibly important to invest in those long-term struggles related to research, which is the only way that we'll ever find a cure for MS," she explains.

Wesolek's family has been deeply affected by MS. Family members struggle with the disease and a good friend passed away last year. Her family first became acquainted with the neurology care at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center because of her husband, who is hearing impaired and received a cochlear implant at Ohio State. As MS entrenched on their lives, they learned of the work of Michael Racke, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology, and his clinical team, who both support patients through their journeys and are pursuing leading-edge MS research.

Wesolek and her family chose to donate to Dr. Racke's work because of his focus on developing treatments for patients facing the most severe, intractable forms of the disease and his work on stem cell therapies.

"MS is a very personalized disease," Wesolek says. "Each individual person reacts very differently not only to the medications but to the therapies…everything from the diet to the exercise program to whether people use yoga or meditation."

The work to help patients with their immediate lives is important, she says, but it's no substitute for long-term research. "We believe in the work that Dr. Racke and his team are doing at Ohio State. Our ability to help in any small way is a monumental contribution to the cause."